Gator fans to find sleeker, more modern stadium Saturday

Tuesday

Aug 28, 2012 at 5:56 PMAug 28, 2012 at 7:39 PM

From grass to graphics, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has undergone a makeover this summer.

By Nathan CrabbeStaff writer

From grass to graphics, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has undergone a makeover this summer.Florida Field has new turf and logos, while the signs painted on the orange walls around the field have a new font. The stadium's west concourse has been completely revamped, with changes meant to improve the flow of fans and their game-day experience.The changes come after the struggles of the football team and economy helped snap a 137-game sellout streak last season.In an era when fans can watch from home in high definition, University of Florida athletics officials acknowledge they can't stand pat."I think it's something we need to be cognizant of and provide as much comfort and as much enjoyment for the fans as we can," said Chip Howard, executive associate athletics director for internal affairs.The $5.6 million concourse project turned an area that looked unfinished into a place that celebrates the Gators at every turn. From the moment fans enter the gates, they'll be greeted by signs featuring the Swamp, Gator traditions and team accomplishments.The concourse has new floors and ceilings, hiding wires and pipes that used to be visible."A lot of this looked like the engine room of the Titanic," Howard said.Other changes include new and revamped concession stands. The concession stands also have been moved back seven feet and widened with additional lines, all of which are now equipped to take credit cards. The changes are intended to lessen the crush of fans clogging the area."It was a quagmire here," Howard said.Restrooms also have been redone, and more than 300 antennas have been added around the stadium to improve cell phone coverage. Other changes include flat-screen television sets at concession stands, along with a new sound system playing the radio broadcast of the game."Hopefully, no one has to miss a play," Howard said.The work was funded through $15 million in bonds issued to pay for the renovations as well as other projects, including a new gymnastics studio at the O'Connell Center. The University Athletic Association tapped reserves to pay for the $150,000 turf replacement.The new turf previously had been installed on UF's lacrosse and soccer practice fields. The Bermuda grass hybrid is meant to resist drought and disease and to withstand regular use."It really holds up to the wear and tear," Howard said.The field also will have new logos. A Gator head logo replaces the "F" that used to be at the 50-yard line. Howard said the logo is more recognizable to the average person, who will know immediately upon tuning in that he or she is watching a Gator game.Other changes to tradition include a new font for the signs painted around the field, including "This is … the Swamp." The slanted font now matches the one used on the uniforms of some teams, including basketball and baseball."We're just trying to be consistent," Howard said.The changes around the stadium are meant to make the place look more modern, he said, as well as honor the program's past and traditions."It's really just to celebrate the Swamp and Gator football," he said.Contact Nathan Crabbe at 338-3176 or nathan.crabbe@gvillesun.com. For more stories on the University of Florida, visit www.thecampussun.com.